Need to Know Plumbing Tips to Get You Through the Coronavirus Pandemic

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, people from around the world are spending more time at home. In Australia, many are taking extreme precautionary measures to minimize the spread of Coronavirus but unfortunately, not the same can be said about taking care of their toilets.

The influx in purchases of wet wipes, cleaning wipes and disposable wipes has also led to a sharp rise in the number of blocked toilets, clogged drains and inoperable sewers. In the effort to maintain hygiene standards many do not realise that items such as wet wipes and large volumes of toilet paper lead to a multitude of plumbing problems. We take a closer look at the COVID-19 plumbing do’s and don’ts everyone needs to know to maintain clog free systems. 

Don’t Flush Any Type of Wet Wipes Down the Toilet 

Keeping your home and surfaces clean is integral in maintaining your safety and the safety of others; however, items such as wet wipes should be tossed in the garbage and not down the toilet or drain. 

While wet wipes or antibacterial wipes appear flushable, these products have a different consistency and manufacture to regular toilet paper. The wipes are designed for water absorption. It will not degrade the way toilet paper does. The result is the accumulation of wipes that continue to swell and never breakdown. It will block the toilet and eventually the drain and sewer line. 

In Australia, companies are witnessing a trend in clogged toilets and drainage problems because of items being flushed that should not go down the loo. More than 20,000 litres of waste products other than toilet paper are being extracted from pipelines every day!. Even the products that are labelled as flushable simply cannot be thrown into the toilet. More homeowners are having to call on licenced plumbers to inspect the blocks and clogs that are caused by wipes.  Apart from the expense of these plumbing issues, the inconvenience and nightmare of an overflowing toilet or a foul stench emanating from the drain are certainly unpleasant. Owing to the rate at which wet wipes and toilet paper alternatives are building up in plumbing pipes, it is placing severe constraints on underground pipes and systems. The risk includes the formation of major sewage leaks that could take days if not weeks to repair. 

The best practice is to safely discard wet wipes into a trash can or bag and then throw them into the garbage. It is a simple step that could protect you against the costs and the inconvenience of blocked and damaged pipes. 

Do Use Toilet Paper Sparingly 

As bulk buying continues to leave the store shelves looking bleak, toilet paper is the safest product meant for flushing down the toilet. It is degradable compared to wet wipes and facial tissues; however, it should be used sparingly. Not only will this save on toilet paper, but it helps prevent heaps of the product backing up the drainage system. 

The more toilet paper gets bundled and thrown into the toilet basin, the more likely it will cause a major clog. With appropriate usage you can prevent a plumbing disaster. 

Don’t Pour Grease Down Your Sinks 

A combination of oil and grease down your sinks with the increased use of toilet paper has created plumbing disasters for many homes. Grease moves down the pipes, lining the pipe interiors from your kitchen or bathroom all the way to your drainage system. Add tissue paper and wet wipes, and you have a disaster waiting to happen. 

The accumulation of grease along pipes will compromise the flow of waste. With an increase in paper down the drain, it increases the risk of a costly blockage. 

The best way to dispose of oil and grease is to allow the liquid to cool and then pour into paper and the waste basket. Oil can also be poured into a container and into the garbage. 

A few times a month, you can keep your pipes clean and prevent the accumulation of waste and debris by pouring hot soapy water down the sink. A regular dish soap will do. 

Don’t Use a Drain Cleaner if You Have a Clog 

If your water is bubbling at the plug or your toilet not flushing as it should, you may look to a chemical drain cleaner to provide relief. Unfortunately, many corrosive drain cleaners cause more damage to pipes than any other unblocking method. It is also an extremely dangerous product that could cause serious injuries if not handled and applied correctly. 

If you are considering the use of a drain cleaner, speak to your Service Heroes first.  can advise on suitable techniques to remove drain blockages in Melbourne. 

Do Call a Plumber for Any Plumbing Issues 

Plumbing matters should be managed by licensed and experienced plumbers. Do not try quick fixes or DIY projects that could cost more in repairs.

Service Heroes is Your Leading Plumbing Service in Melbourne 

Service Heroes consists of a team of licensed and experienced plumbers. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, we offer our customers emergency plumbing services and effective tips to prevent drainage and related plumbing problems. 

If you are struggling with a problematic toilet or a blocked drain, simply call us. We provide fast, effective and valuable plumbing services. Do not take matters into your own hands. Our dedicated and expert plumbers will inspect your plumbing system and advise on the best steps to unclog your drain. 

Avoid tossing wet wipes, facial tissues and large amounts of toilet paper down the drain. This can go a long way to minimizing major clogs and damaged pipes. 

If you experience any drainage or plumbing problems, simply give us a call or visit us online, to speak to a professional. Learn just how we can help you amid the COVID-19 outbreak to keep your plumbing systems as good as new.